Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 32,256, Henry Fordyce, New Jersey

SERVICE
NUMBER
New Jersey
Fordyce, Henry
S. 32,256
CONTENTS

25.624 Indiana
Henry Woodruff of the State of Indiana who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Myers of the regt commanded by Col. Mikel in the N. J. militia for 2 yrs 1775
Inscribed on the Roll of Indiana at the rate of 80 Dollars — Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 day of Feb. 1834 — and sent to S. J. Gardner Versailles Ind.
Arrears to the 4th of Sep 1833 — 200 — Pension allowance ending 1, Mar 34 40. — $240. —
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J. H. Allison Clerk book 8 Vol. 7 Page 111
Date of death unknown

= Declaration = in Writ
HENRY FORDYCE, For a Pension
State of Indiana ss. On this 30 th day of November , Anno Domini 1833 I, James Webb one of the Commissioners of the County Court of the County of Franklin and State of Indiana, do hereby certify that Henry Fordyce a resident of the said County of Franklin and State of Indiana aged Eighty Nine years the 10 th day of last November who by reason of extreme old age and bodily infirmity is unable to appear in open Court for the purpose of making his application for a Pension, who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following names, officers and serving as herein stated. He enlisted in the service of the United States in the month of October 1775, with Capt. Andrew McMyrs for one year and served in Col. William Minda's Regiment of the New Jersey Line under General Gates, Col. William Minda's Unit led by Major Mathias Costen, Maj. William H. Hart, Lieut. Joseph Plass, Capt. Andrew McMyrs, Lieut. Isaac Morrison & Ensign Jacob Piatt. He left the service the 13 th day of November 1776, after serving faithfully for one year and one month. He was discharged by Col. William Minda. Immediately after this the Militia of New Jersey was classed agreeably to the order of Genl. Washington, and one half were ordered to remain on the lines for every other two weeks, and the other half of the Militia were to remain at home and then at the expiration of the two weeks were to take the place of those on duty and serve on the lines for two weeks and then were to return to their homes, and the other half of the Militia which had been off from duty two weeks were to supply their places, and so on alternately from time to time, and in case of an invasion the whole Militia were to march without a moment's delay at the firing of an 18 pounder gun on what was called the short hills between Morris County and the County of Essex for the purpose of alarming the country. In about two weeks after his return home he was among others who were classed, to wit the first of December 1776, and was marched to Elizabeth Town N.J. and remained there on duty until the middle of the same month when his term of two weeks was up and he returned home to his residence 12 miles from Elizabeth Town and was permitted to remain there until the first of January 1777 when he was again called on to the lines at Elizabeth Town where he remained there for two weeks more when he again returned home, and there again at the expiration of two weeks more again marched to the lines armed with his Musket, Bayonet & c. and so alternately from time to time first two weeks on duty and then two weeks off until the first of November 1781, not being off from duty at any one time more than two weeks. Thus numerally terms of duty made at least the amount of Two Years and Five Months Service in the Militia of New Jersey which added to his term of one year and one month as an enlisted soldier makes the full term of Three Years and Six months for which he claims a pension. (3 years and 6 months) one
Year and one month a Regular Soldier, and Two Years and Five Months in the Militia of New Jersey — For which he claims
a Pension. At the time he entered the service and during all of his various terms he resided in Essex County New Jersey and continued to reside there till twenty years since. He was in the Battle of the Three Rivers before Quebec in Canada during his term as an enlisted soldier. During his services as a Militia Man, he was in no Regular fought Battle, but in a great many severe Skirmishes, and amongst the rest at the engagement of the Cumberland Farms, at Springfield, at Westfield, and at Elizabeth Town. At the Cumberland Farms he came very near being taken prisoner in consequence of mistaking a party of British for Americans, in consequence of their having their coats turned wrong side out so as to hide the colour, and he only discovered his mistake when he was very near them, for their coats are lined with white flannel, and he discovered the deception by seeing the skirt of one fly up as he rose from one tree to another.
I do hereby certify that the above is a true and correct copy of the original thereof in my office in the County of Franklin, State of Indiana.

a great many Muskets were fired at him as he turned to flee from the danger which surrounded him, and the brush and undergrowth of timber all around him was cut off by the bullets, but through the providence of God he remained unharmed. At the time of the battle of Bunker Hill there was a company of New Hampshire men called the Walden who frequently went over and attacked Elizabeth Town, there men were famous for their sharp shooting. He assisted at one time in fetching from the place where the Stratford (at Elizabeth Town) several men who were shot in the eye by those men, during his first tour of one year and one month he was entertained, the rest of his service he was drafted. During his 1st tour he marched from Elizabeth Town & Jersey to New York where he was stationed on the Battery for the winter of 1775, and 76, in the lower Barracks. From thence he marched to Albany N.Y. from thence to Fort Ticonderoga, from thence to Lake Champlain, from thence he marched to Ticonderoga, from thence to Crown Point, from thence to a place called Schuyler's Point (in consequence of an Indian Massacre which took place there one Sunday morning during the French War) - from thence to Sillenus Creek or the Grasse River , from thence to St. Johns on Lake Champlain, from thence to Chambly from thence down on the River St. Lawrence where he remained till the Battle of the Three Rivers, after that event the French held a council of war and determined to retreat, and the army marched back the same route nearly which they came until they came to Albany where he was discharged by Col. William M'Intosh . During his time as a Militia man it would be wholly impossible for him to state all of his various marches and counter marches but he served principally at Elizabeth Town , Springfield , Shenips Point , Connecticut Farms , Betstead's Point &c. &c. &c. The first of November 1781. he was dismissed by Col. M'Intosh (formerly Col. M'Intosh ) by the order of Genl. Washington , when he returned home and did serve any more during the war. He was acquainted with Genl. Washington , Genl. Burgoyne , Genl. Saratoga , Genl. Bethmann , Lord Stirling , Genl. Sullivan , Genl. M'Intosh , Col. Agder , Col. Spencer , & Maj. M'Intosh . Over besides many more. He served out his time as a Militia man under Genl. M'Intosh in part Col. Scudder left Agder Captain Wharton . Capt. John Patten (cousin to the Capt.) Capt. Anthony Bagley and Ensign Joseph Tucker . He cannot say precisely but thinks that there were continental troops from the 3rd Regt. of the New Jersey line, and some others with the militia when he was nearly all of the time and then was left at Shenips Point company of Militia men at Elizabeth Town , and others which he cannot remember. He has no written or documentary evidence and he knows of no persons living who can testify to his service except James Forbes , and John Scott (see Elizabeth Town ) - He hereby relinquishes any claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Army of any State.
(The whole referred to above)
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid - Henry Forbes
Be it known that I, Henry a clergyman residing in the County of Franklin and State of Massachusetts do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Henry Forbes and that he has been known to me for the above declared time, that he has been known to me for the above declared time, that he is reputed and believed to be a Revolutionary soldier, and that he has been known to me for the above declared time, and that he has been known to me for the above declared time. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid -
John Forbes Joseph Evans
And the said James Webb the aforesaid Commissioner of the County of Franklin and State of Massachusetts , who is one of the members of the Commissioners Court for the said County of Franklin (the said Court being a Court of Record) does hereby declare his opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, and having the same answered under oath, that the said applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the said James Webb Commissioner as aforesaid, further states that it appears to him that

John D. Young who has signed the foregoing certificate is a clergyman resident in the County of Franklin and State of Indiana, and that Joseph Evans - who has signed the same is a resident in same County and State; is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. And the said Commissioners find in certis that Henry Forayes the above named applicant is wholly unable and unfit to attend in open Court for the purpose of making the declaration in open Court and having their papers there authenticated in consequence of his extreme old age and bodily infirmity. And also that the answers (to the 7 Questions) above are made under oath by the aforesaid applicant.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and private seal, this 14th day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three. At the residence of the said Applicant.
James Noble # Seal Commr H.C.C. # Seal
Answers to 7 Questions presented by the War Department. Answer to 1st Q. That I was born in Essex County N.J. the 12th day of Nov. 1744. Answer to 2nd Q. That I have no record of my age but I am convinced that I am not more than 80 years old. Answer to 3rd Q. When I was called into service and during the whole war I resided in Essex County New Jersey and continued to reside there until twenty years since when he moved to the County of Franklin where I now reside. Answer to 4th Q. The first term of one year and one month, I was entitled to the balance of my service Two years and five months, I was discharged and lived in the New Jersey Matineo. Answer to 5th Q. I can state the names of General Washington, Genl Greene, Genl Gates, Lord Shelburne, Genl Sullivan. Genl Magill, Col. Barker, Genl M'Nider, Col. Agder, Col. Spencer and Maj. Morris - besides a great many more. I recollect some of the Generals from the 3rd Jersey Regiment who were with the Matineo, and Capt. Wharton, Company A Matineo at Elizabethton N.J. Answer to 6th Q. I had a charge from Col. M'Nider at Albany New York but it was lost or destroyed & I know not which. Answer to 7th Q. Ensign of John O'Leary, Mr. William King, Matthew Coey, John Williams and all who knew me.
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
State of Indiana & Personally appear before me the undersigned one Franklin County, ss. of the Commissioners of the Court of Franklin & Superior, John D. Young who being duly sworn accords to Law deponeth and saith that he is now 71 years of age that he himself was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and that during his service as such he met on Nov. 1775 near New Windsor in the state of New York a man by the name of Henry Forayes in company with five or six more armed with Muskets and United States Carabines on their backs, that he this deponent belonged at the time to the light infantry from the state of New York that he demanded of them the surrender sign, and they gave the same and in a dation showed him a pass from Col. M'Nider he thinks authorizing them to pass on their way home to Elizabethton New Jersey. That he many years since became acquainted with one Henry Forayes the whole amount of his service for a previous service under the Law of June 7th 1832 and that in his stating certain circumstances which transpired at the aforesaid date during the Revolution he is positive that this is the same Henry Forayes and none other. He cannot state the time when the said Henry Forayes entered the service or left the same, but he has no doubt but that he did serve in the War of the Revolution as he has stated from the circumstance of his mentioning certain things which transpired and of which he could have had no knowledge if he had not been present. And further deponent saith not.
John D. Young
Sworn to and Subscribed this 28th day of Nov 1833.
James Noble # Seal Commr H.C.C. # Seal

And the said Commissioner hereby certifies that the said John Dunn the above named deponent is a person of truth and veracity & as such is entitled to full credit.
James Webb # seat # comm # 66.67 # seat
State of Indiana ss. Personally appeared before me the undersigned James Webb a Commissioner of the County of Franklin, in and for the County of Franklin, Ohio, James Fordyce who is a nephew of Henry Fordyce the above named applicant for a pension taking full credit to him according to his knowledge and belief that he is now in his 70th year of age, and that he in Morris County, New Jersey, and resides there during the winter months, that he with his wife the widow Henry Fordyce who is an applicant for a pension, both before during and since the Pennsylvania War, and he says that he and his wife most positively that the said Henry Fordyce enlisted in the service of the United States in the year 1777 at the age of 18 in New Jersey, in his Regiment, and he became part of the service the latter part of the year 1777, the Pennsylvania Key-Stone Battery deponent further states that he saw the said Henry Fordyce under arms in the winter of 1777-78 at the Battle of Red Bank and that he saw him in the Battle of Red Bank and that he saw him under arms in the Battle of Red Bank and that he saw him in the Battle of Red Bank and that he saw him in the Battle of Red Bank and further deponent saith not.
Given to and under the day and year first above written James Webb # seat # comm # 66.67 # seat
And the said Commissioner hereby certifies that the above named deponent is a person of truth and veracity, and as such is entitled to credit.
James Webb # seat # comm # 66.67 # seat
State of Indiana Franklin County ss.
I Robert John, Clerk of the Board of Commissioners for the County of Franklin aforesaid, do hereby certify that James Webb Esq. before whom the foregoing application for a Pension was made, is a member of the Board of County Commissioners for the County aforesaid, duly elected, commissioned and sworn into office and that his faith & credit are due and ought to be given to all his official acts as such Commissioner, and that the above signatures purporting to be his are genu
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of our said Board this 30th day of November 1833. Robert John Clerk

State of Indiana ss Franklin County } ss On this 28 th day of January in the year of our Lord 1834 personally appeared before me Elijah Barnick one of the justices of the peace in and for the county of Franklin state of Indiana Mary Hordyce the above named applicant for a pension under the law of 1832 who being first duly sworn according to law, deposes and saith, that by reason of old age and the consequence of her age, she cannot bear fruitfully as to the period length of her service, but according to the best of her recollection she served not less than the period mentioned below, and in the following order (to wit) For at least, I served for two years and six months as a private in the Army of the Revolution in the service of the United States, and for such service I now claim a pension. And deponent further saith, that when be- enlisted under Capt. Andrew McMyes in October 1775. he marched from Elizabethtown N.J. to Howland's Brook from thence to the City of New York where he went into winter quarters at the Lower Barracks, and remained there until the spring of 1776. when he was marched into Canada as he has stated in his declaration (see declaration) and continued to serve as an enlisted soldier until the 13 th day of November 1776. He is well aware that the expedition to Canada did not occupy so long a time as he was entitled, when he was enlisted he understood that he would not have to march out of Essex County, such was the talk among the soldiers, but not in- withstanding he went to Canada as he has above stated. In regard to the Militia of N.J. being closed under the orders of Genl Washington, he has always been laboring a great mistake if such was not the case; and the reason why he supposed that one half had to remain on the lines on duty half of the time alternately, was because, he himself had to do so, or in case of a failure on his part, he would have had a heavy fine to pay. What he has above stated is, and also in his declaration, has been from memory, and he has had the above, faint as it is, to de- pend upon in all of his statements in this matter. He is confident that he was in actual service

for a much longer time than Two years and six months , but he is willing to limit the term of his services to that period. He will remember the corps of Riflemen from Virginia as officers of the Regiment and that he is not mistaken they were commanded by Genl Morgan. Dependent further it states that when his term as a Minuteman was up- on he was returning to his home until his term as again to serve, that he would have had to march im- mediately back to the scene of St. Lawrence at the firing of the 18 pound gun (or the "alarm gun" as it was call- ed). He always understood that when Genl Was- hington retreated through New Jersey that was the time that the Matildas were classed as above and further faith not.
Henry Dodge Major
Given to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me.
Elijah Barrick Esq. Justice of the peace
State of Indiana Franklin County ss. set.
I Robert John Clerk of of the Franklin Circuit Court do hereby certify, that Elijah Barrick Esq. before whom the above and foregoing deposition was taken, is and was at the time of the taking thereof, an acting Justice of the peace, in & for the County aforesaid duly elected, com- missioned & sworn into office, & that to all his official acts full faith & credit are due, & that the above signature purporting to be his, is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of our said Court at Brookville this 25 th day of January 1804.
Robert John Clerk 766

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Henry Fordyce.
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     1775 1 1 P. Col. Wirts 89 N.Y. Traditionary and town records.   1776 to 1781 2 5 P.   She as petition to Canada did not occupy one year, and there were men who engaged to serve for that length of time but a corps of riflemen from Virginia, the militia of New Jersey were not required to be on duty one half their time during the period from 1776 to 1781.  
Versailles Feb 29 th 1834. I am, respectfully,
Genl. J. S. Edwards
Your obedient servant,
JAMES L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
Henry Fordyce with all of the amendment which can be made. That some errors may have crept into the old man's statement innocently there is no doubt but all who knew the applicant know him to be an old and infirm man who at most, according to the course of nature can never be much of a weight on the treasury of his country - (see 4 th page)

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) , with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers :
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers ; the time he left the service ; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers ; ) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service ; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Ms. A. 9. 2. 23. 11

But that he served substantially as he has stated I have not the least doubt. He like a vast many more of those persons is illiterate, and his knowledge is not drawn from books, but from experience, and as a participant in the events of the Revolution. Few men of his age are in the possession of all their mental faculties. I have faithfully copied his statements, and in so doing have discharged my duty. I hope that the Department will take up all of the papers, and I know that they will do him justice.
With much Respect.
I am Sir
St. Asaph aunts
No 28. 794 Henry Haynes General
Dear Sir
for 1775 per 2 yrs $80.
A. J. Harding General field

March 12, 1936
Henry Fordyce-S.32256 BA-J/AWF am
Mrs. John C. Shirk Brookville Indiana
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Henry Fordyce, who served from New Jersey, and was pensioned, while living in Franklin County, Indiana.
The Revolutionary War record of Henry Fordyce which follows was obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 32256, based upon his service in that war.
Henry Fordyce was born November 12, 1744 in Essex County, New Jersey, names of his parents not stated.
While residing in Essex County, he enlisted sometime in October, 1775, served in Captain Andrew McMyers' company, Colonel William Winds' New Jersey regiment, was in the expedition to Canada and the battle of Three Rivers, and was discharged, November 13, 1776. He enlisted December 1, 1776 and served at various times in the New Jersey Militia under Captains Patten and Wharton in Colonel Scudder's regiment; he was in the battles of Elizabethtown and Connecticut Farms, and many "severe skirmishes", continued in this service until about November 1, 1781.
He was allowed pension on his application executed November 30, 1833, at which time he was living

in Franklin County, Indiana, where he had lived about twenty years.
It is not stated that the soldier, Henry Fordyce, ever married. His nephew, James Fordyce, was seventy years of age in 1833, then of Franklin County, Indiana; he stated that he was born in Morris County, New Jersey and was well acquainted with the soldier during the Revolutionary War.
Very truly yours
G. H. SWEET Acting Executive Assistant to the Administrator

32256 Pay INVALID.
File No. 32,256
Henry Fordyce Pri Rev War
Act: June 1 st 32 nd
Index:—Vol. 2, Page 141
[Arrangement of 1870.]
✓
May 19-1902 Geo. L. Fordyce - Youngstown 1936 - mch 7 - lieth to Mrs. John C. Shinkle

MRS. JOHN C. SHIRK THREE PINES BROOKVILLE, INDIANA
New Smyrna, Florida
Feb. 12 - 1936
To Veterans Administration, Rev. War Records Division. Washington D.C.
Dear Sirs; Will you send me the Revolutionary Service of Henry Fordyce ? Who served in New Jersey Militia, and who received a pension 1831 while a resident of Franklin County Indiana. Thanking You Very Truly
(Mrs. John C.) Laura C. Shirk, Regent, Twin Forks Chapter D.A.R. Brookville Ind.
My winter address Box No. 1044 New Smyrna, Florida